Jackie Ruggieri - Sailors for the Sea

Jackie Ruggieri

“The sea has always drawn me in with its mystery and complexity—an immense, living system where everything is connected. My time on the water has shown me how fragile that balance can be, motivating me to protect it through education and action so others can experience the ocean as I have.” 

Jackie Ruggieri grew up surrounded by the ocean in Jamestown, Rhode Island. She has been sailing and engaging with her love of the sea through conservation for as long as she can remember. Jackie grew up racing Optis and C420s before competing at Milton Academy during high school. In addition to competing, Jackie has also been a sailing instructor in Jamestown, RI, and Naples, FL, sharing her love for the sport with younger sailors.  

Now, Jackie sails dinghies and keelboats for her college team, as well as racing an IC37. Apart from sailing, Jackie has volunteered with the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and studied marine conservation with Save the Bay, deepening her understanding of how local waterways reflect global ocean health. Sailing continues to remind Jackie of the importance of resilience, curiosity, and stewardship in caring for the world’s oceans. 

BECOME A GREEN BOATER

Affiliation:

Conanicut Yacht Club